1. MYTH: Pagans are Satan worshippers
FACT: This is impossible. Satan is a Christian Character. There is no satanic equivalent in Pagan society. Therefore, if someone is a Satan worshipper, they would have some Christian belief system.
2. MYTH: All Pagans are Witches
FACT: While Witchcraft (or Wicca) is one form of Paganism, there are many other religions (Druidism, Asatru, Shamanism) that rea considered Pagan also. The word Pagan comes from the latin word meaning "country dweller". Because people who lived in the country were the last to be converted to Christianity, Paganism (or neo-Paganism) is based on ancient pre-Christian beliefs.
3. MYTH: Witches are ugly hags with pointy hats who ride around on brooms.
FACT: There are no physical characteristics that define a person as a Witch. Witches come in all ages, shapes, sizes, and colours (but NOT green!). In ancient times, the conical hat was worn only by wise people, and then as now, the broom is a symbolic tool for rituals.
4. MYTH: Pagans perform human and animal sacrifices.
FACT: No. Not only is it illegal but it goes against the golden rule of 'Harm None'. Pagans do not believe in, or condone,
harming anyone.
5. MYTH: Pagans cast spells to harm people (i.e. turn people into frogs).
FACT: Again, this would be against the rule 'Harm None'. Pagans believe in having power with, rather than over, people. A spell is like a form of prayer in other religions.
6. MYTH: Only Caucasians can be Pagan.
FACT: While many Pagans originated in areas of Europe populated with white poeple, that doesn't mean that people from other ethnic backgrounds cannot choose to follow Paganism. Pagans believe in loving and respecting everyone, regardless of their colour or background.
7. MYTH: A male witch is called a "Warlock".
FACT: All people who practice Wicca are known as Witches, regardless os Sex, age, or color. Warlock literally means "oathbreaker". No one knows how this got associated with Witchcraft.
8. MYTH: Pagans Worship only a Goddess.
FACT: No. While much emphasis is placed on the Goddess or Goddesses because they have been forgotten in our culture, various branches worship a God and a Goddess or multiple Gods and/or Goddesses.
9. MYTH: Paganism is anti-Christian.
FACT: No. Pagans believe thateveryone has a right totheir own beliefs. Considering we follow a belief system that is pre-Christian, it would hardly be considered anti-Christian.
10. MYTH: The pentagram is a satanic symbol.
FACT: No. Again, the pentagram is a symbol from pre-Christian times. Just as an upside-down cross is considered satanic, so is an upside-down pentagram. Unfortunatley it's easier to tell when a cross is inverted rather than a pentagram. A proper pentagram sits on two points, not one. It is an ancient symbol of protection.